Celtic vs Bayern Munich referee sparked backlash with post-match act and sent off Lionel Messi

Celtic’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich will be officiated by referee Jesus Gil Manzano, who has been at the centre of controversies in the past.

Brendan Rodgers' men face a tall order as the six-time European champions head to Glasgow. Still, with Daizen Maeda returning, they’ll be hungry to get at Vincent Kompany’s unpredictable side.

Fans will be hoping controversy doesn’t consume the clash, and referee Manzano has tasted his fair share of that before. The Spanish official has made headlines for decisions against and in favour of Real Madrid and is one of a few referees to have handed the iconic Lionel Messi his marching orders.

Manzano debuted in 2012 during a fixture between Malaga and Mallorca and quickly became one of his country's premier officials. However, five years later, he would face a flurry of accusations after taking charge of Los Blancos’ 3-2 win against Villareal in 2017. The Yellow Submarine broke the deadlock on 50 minutes and doubled their lead six minutes later, putting them on the verge of a momentous home victory before the tide was well and truly turned.

Gareth Bale pulled a goal back for the visitors after 64 minutes, and Manzano threw his name into headlines for a decision just under 10 minutes on. The referee decreed that a deflected Toni Kroos shot had contentiously hit the arm of Bruno Soriano in the area, and with no VAR, the penalty was given.

Cristiano Ronaldo obliged and converted the spot kick before Alvaro Morata sealed the comeback seven minutes from time. While the decision itself was debatable, a picture of Manzano emerged after the clash that sparked outrage.

He was pictured carrying a bag of Real Madrid merchandise, although it appeared to be from after a different